Animals in France finally recognized as ‘living, sentient beings’

It has taken the French parliament more than 200 years to officially recognize animals as "living, sentient beings" rather than "furniture," finally upgrading their embarrassing status that dates back to Napoleonic times.

While amendments to the
Civil Code were first approved in November, the National Assembly
voted on the motion Wednesday, according to AFP. The Assembly had
to give its final word after debate with the Senate over several
clauses, including the animals' status.

Until the motion was passed, animals in France, including
domestic pets and farm animals, had the same status as a sofa.
When the civil code was wrapped up by Napoleon back in 1804,
animals were considered as working farm beasts and viewed as an
agricultural force designated as goods or furniture.

A two-year fight led by the French animal rights organization
Fondation 30 Million d’Amis (Foundation of 30 Million Friends)
has resulted in the long-awaited change.

The charity's president, Reha Hutin, insisted that the new
legislation was needed to stop horrendous acts of cruelty toward
animals. Currently, the law on the cruel treatment of animals in
France comprises the punishment of a maximum two-year prison term
and a 30,000-euro fine.

“France is behind the times here. In Germany, Austria and
Switzerland they have changed the law so it says that animals are
not just objects," Hutin told The Local.

“How can the courts in France punish the horrible acts that
are carried out against animals if they are considered no more
than just furniture?" she said.

However, France's powerful FNSEA farm lobby, along with some
politicians, voiced concerns that the latest change in the
legislation could undermine the interests of farmers, particular
cattle breeders.

In 2002, Germany became the first country in the European Union
to grant constitutional rights to its animals. Then, in 2006,
members of the Dutch Party for the Animals (PvdD) became the
first animal-rights MPs anywhere in the world.